Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic legs (normal for elephants), normal gazelle legs (Beth Shortt) illustrating oedema

Usually defined as proteinuria >3.5g/day with hypoalbuminaemia and oedema. Definitions vary a little around exact values. Serum albumin levels are low because of the urinary protein loss. Nephrotic syndrome is associated with avid sodium and fluid retention by the kidneys, seen symptomatically as oedema, in other words most retained fluid is held extravascularly.]


Causes

These are all glomerular diseases, in which there is podocyte (glomerular epithelial cell) damage or non-inflammatory architectural alterations of the glomerulus, such as that caused by matrix expansion associated with diabetes, or by scarring.  Subacute inflammatory (nephritic) types of glomerulonephritis may cause nephrotic syndrome through causing scarring in the glomerulus.

Most important causes of nephrotic syndrome:

Minimal change disease Normal glomeruli on light microscopy. The most common cause in children but occurs at any age. Responds to treatment with high dose steroids. Does not cause renal failure.
Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) Focal scars in glomeruli. Variable response to steroids. May progress to renal failure.
Membranous nephropathy Usually idiopathic (autoimmune); sometimes due to drugs, rarely malignancy. May progress to renal failure in up to 30%; immunosuppression may halt progression if function deteriorating.
Diabetes mellitus After long history of diabetes and with other microvascular complications.
Amyloidosis Most types cause renal disease (usually nephrotic syndrome) as an early manifestation.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Young women usually. May present in many ways but sometimes as renal disease alone.

Complications

  • Susceptibility to infection
  • Increased risk of venous thrombosis
  • High cholesterol – often extreme (>10 mmol/L)

Investigation

Renal biopsy often required unless obvious (e.g. long history of diabetes with other complications and typical evolution and features). Minimal change disease usually assumed in children, unless fails to respond to steroids.


Management

  • Diet – control salt intake
  • Loop diuretics – to control salt and water retention
  • ACE inhibitors – to control blood pressure, reduce proteinuria
  • Anticoagulation – if immobilised, or thrombosis has occurred
  • Lipid lowering – consider statin if syndrome persistent

Further info